For many, Ellen DeGeneres is a national icon. In a lot of ways she is a true symbol that it’s okay to embrace your true self in front of the world. And so, it’s no wonder that DeGeneres has amassed quite a following and fortune.

According to Forbes, DeGeneres's net worth over time is estimated to be around $330 million. Meanwhile, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on NBC continues to enjoy solid ratings. And in 2018, this talk show host made history as the first woman ever to receive $20 million for a stand-up special on Netflix.

Indeed, DeGeneres is admirable and impressive in a lot of ways. However, that doesn’t mean that she’s never gotten in trouble or made a blunder. To prove, here are 20 things that DeGeneres probably wishes people would forget about her past:

20 She once used a beard

In the beginning, no one could suspect that DeGeneres was gay because she was often spotted with “That Thing You Do!” actor, Johnathon Schaech. On a Reddit thread, Schaech explained, “My manager asked me to accompany her to events. She was scared people would not watch the show, her sitcom Ellen, because she was gay.”

19 Her generosity once landed a woman in trouble with the IRS

Back in 2013, an Ohio-based woman Ry’Shonda Fields sent DeGeneres email to give a shoutout to her “angel” friend Diane. After learning of Field’s financial troubles though, DeGeneres also decided to give her $55,000. Unfortunately, this award landed Fields in trouble with the IRS who threatened her jail time for failing to pay $1,758.61. According to Forbes, Fields was later fined $75 and given a 30-day suspended sentence.

18 She made fun of a woman’s name and got sued for it

On DeGeneres’s show, there is a segment known as “What’s Wrong With These Ads… and These Signs?” At one point, this segment seemingly targeted a Georgia real estate agent by the name of Titi Pierce. In response, Pierce filed a lawsuit against DeGeneres and the show. According to The Wrap, the lawsuit stated, “Prior to defendant’s misdeeds, Ms. Pierce has been called only by her name ‘Titi,’ which, as grammar dictates, is pronounced ‘TEE TEE.'” The lawsuit was later tossed out.

In 2009, DeGeneres and her show got into some legal trouble as several major record labels accused them of copyright infringement. According to a report from the New York Post, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, EMI and Universal Music Group alleged that the show used “well over one thousand sound recordings owned or controlled” without getting the proper license first.

16 Many called her out for not supporting the writer’s strike

In 2007, the Writer’s Guild of America East (WGAE) called out DeGeneres for not supporting the ongoing writer’s strike at that time. According to a report from Deadline, the WGAE issued a statement saying, “In anticipation of her plans to tape shows in New York City on November 19th and 20th, the Writers Guild of America, East is extremely disappointed to see that Ellen has chosen not to stand with writers during the strike. Ellen’s peers who host comedy/variety shows have chosen to support the writers and help them get a fair contract, Ellen has not.”

15 She was dumped by Anne Heche

After she came out, it seemed that DeGeneres started dating actress Anne Heche almost immediately. The two were together for three years before Heche reportedly dumped the talk show host. Following their split, Ellen was quoted in a June 2004 issue of Globe saying, “I haven’t seen her since she walked out the door. For a while, I’d leave the house and wonder, ‘When is it going to happen?’ Hopefully, I’ll get through my life without that ever happening.”

14 She made Corinne Olympios uncomfortable

As it turns out, “The Bachelor” star Corrine Olympios didn’t really have the best time when she was interviewed on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” According to Nicki Swift, Olympios later revealed on the podcast “The Morning Breath,” “I've kept this in for so long but, to be honest, [DeGeneres] just made me a little uncomfortable.” Olympios also claimed that the host was “very cold” and “very aggressive” prior to their interview.

13 She reduced Kathy Griffin to tears

As you may know, DeGeneres has had a longtime feud with Kathy Griffin. It started when Griffin wrote a blind item in her book which accused DeGeneres of having her “kicked out of a backstage dressing room at the Emmy Awards.” She also pointed out that DeGeneres has a “mean streak.” After learning of this, DeGeneres and Griffin reportedly bickered on the phone. And while speaking to Access Hollywood, Griffin said she “literally started sobbing” after the call.

12 She once left Kelly Ripa feeling betrayed

According to reports, fellow talk show host Kelly Ripa didn’t appreciate it when DeGeneres invited Michael Strahan to appear on her show in 2017. A report from Star revealed that Ripa was “livid” with DeGeneres. Star’s source also reportedly claimed the DeGeneres felt bad about hurting Ripa. After conducting an investigation into this claim, however, Gossip Cop reported that “DeGeneres does not “feel bad” about having Strahan on her talk show, nor is she begging Ripa for “forgiveness” after her so-called betrayal.”

11 She implied that Priyanka Chopra was handed Quantico by the network

During an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” it seemed that DeGeneres implied that ABC just handed the FBI show “Quantico” to actress Priyanka Chopra. In response, Chopra remarked, “That doesn’t happen often.” For the record, Chopra has been an established celebrity in India prior to making her mark in Hollywood.

10 She ended up feuding with Drew Barrymore

In 2017, NBC launched a show called “First Dates” where DeGeneres was named an executive producer and actress Drew Barrymore became the narrator. Initially, it was thought that the two would have a great partnership. However, a source told In Touch Weekly, “Ellen and Drew are a case of oil and water. Ellen expected to be the one calling the shots, but Drew thinks she should have creative control because she's the movie star people are tuning in to see.”

9 She forgot that Katy Perry was married once before

As singer Katy Perry appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres,” DeGeneres seemed to have forgotten that Perry was married once before. DeGeneres even proceeded to tell Perry, “You were not married.” In response, Perry pointed out, “Remember you gave me some wedding gifts on this show?” As you could imagine, a lot of people in the audience were probably cringing around this time. To this day, the whole exchange still feels awkward.

8 She was heavily criticized for greeting Perry and her ‘balloons’

In 2017, DeGeneres greeted the singer on Twitter saying, “Happy birthday, @KatyPerry! It's time to bring out the big balloons!” That post was accompanied by a photo of DeGeneres ogling at Perry’s chest. This post caused quite a backlash from other celebrities. Actor Michael Rapaport tweeted, “Imagine if Cam Newton or any other man sent out this tweet & photo.” Meanwhile, Piers Morgan also tweeted, “If a man made this joke, Ellen would lead the cries of a ‘SEXIST PIG!’”

7 She had an awkward interview with Sean Hayes

At one point, actor Sean Hayes appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and without warning, it led to quite an awkward interview. It all started when DeGeneres asked, “How long was ‘Will & Grace’ on before y’all got canceled?” In response, Hayes retorted, “I think it was longer than your sitcom.” Hayes was referring to the former ABC sitcom “Ellen,” which aired from 1994 to 1998.

6 She had a more awkward interview with Dakota Johnson

If you think DeGeneres’ interview with Sean Hayes was awkward, wait till you see a replay of her interview with ‘50 Shades’ star Dakota Johnson. Johnson was there to promote a new film. However, DeGeneres thought it was the perfect time to ask why she wasn’t invited to the actress’ birthday party. Johnson then pointed out that DeGeneres was invited. She also added, “I didn’t even know you liked me.” Later on, it was confirmed that DeGeneres did get an invite and things got more awkward.

5 She left Caitlyn Jenner feeling ‘burnt’

Upon coming out and undergoing a transformation, Caitlyn Jenner agreed to appear on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” While speaking with DeGeneres, Jenner admitted that she “was not for” same-sex marriage at first. Later that year, DeGeneres told Howard Stern, “Maybe [Jenner] didn't want to dance with me [on the show] because I'm a lesbian.” After hearing this remark, Jenner later told Andy Cohen in an interview, “I got burnt by Ellen on marriage equality.” Jenner also said that DeGeneres convinced her to shift her stance on the issue prior to taping the show.

4 She once put up unclad Justin Bieber pics

Over the years, pop star Justin Bieber has appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” several times. In 2015, however, the interview pretty much turned awkward after DeGeneres showed the singer’s nude photo in Bora Bora. At first, DeGeneres questioned him about how he didn’t spot the paparazzi taking shots of him. And that led to a funny exchange. But then, DeGeneres questioned him about the girl in the background and Bieber remarked, “Why are you putting me on the spot like this?”

3 The LGBTQ community once felt that she betrayed them

Over the years, DeGeneres has become a highly respected figure in the LGBTQ community. And so, a lot of people were shocked and offended when a photo emerged of DeGeneres sitting next to former president George W. Bush who didn’t support LGBTQ rights. To make things worse, DeGeneres tried to defend herself on her show, telling her audience, “Here's the thing: I'm friends with George Bush. In fact, I'm friends with a lot of people who don't share the same beliefs that I have.” That didn’t go well with everyone.

2 She once had an ‘epic fight’ with her wife

As far as Hollywood knows, DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi are so in love. However, there was a time when their marriage was reportedly in serious trouble. And according to Radar Online, there was a report which claimed that the couple once got into an “epic” fight, forcing them to skip the 2014 People’s Choice Awards.

1 She allegedly cheated on her wife several times

For a period in time, there were reports emerging that DeGeneres’ marriage with de Rossi had gotten tumultuous. To make matters worse, celebrity journalist Randy Jernigan also alleged that DeGeneres had been seeing younger women she met through work. Meanwhile, de Rossi was also reportedly carrying out affairs with some former lovers.

Source: Forbes, In Touch Weekly, Access Hollywood, Radar Online